Bobsleds all lined up and ready to go.
As Emerald Princess pulled into berth 007 in Ocho Rios, the ocean breezes gave way to waves of heat. By 8 a.m. the temperature was a searing 90 degrees and the humidity made it feel even stickier. So, it’s hot, sunny and I’m going … bobsledding??
Maybe our berth number, 007, had put me in the mood for an adventure worthy of James Bond. And here in Jamaica, I had my pick — famous Dunn’s River Falls, a terraced waterfall that you can climb like steps; or the three-mile-long Martha Brae where I could lazily float down this picturesque river on a bamboo raft. But most intriguing to me was Mystic Mountain, a lush tropical paradise with its own hidden secrets, the most unusual of which was its bobsledding track.
By mid-morning, I found myself at the foot of the rain forest wondering how we would get up the mountain. The journey, it turned out, was effortless, with a chairlift as our chariot. Perched comfortably on the Sky Explorer lift, we rose up over the canopy of the forest to the summit, our legs dangling over tropical foliage, the air growing cooler as we ascended.
Some 20 minutes later a member of the Jamaican tour staff met us at the peak. “Yeah Mon, welcome to Mystic Mountain where every’ ting is cool.”
At the top of a chairlift, one might expect a snow-capped mountain, yet the reggae beats I was hearing from a local band, accompanied by the island dialect, which was itself a kind of music, and the local arts and crafts on display – all said tropical paradise. That plus the temperature which, even at the top of the mountain, was more suited to flip-flops than ear muffs.
Chair lifts carry anxious bobsledders atop the mountain.
Making our way to the bobsled area, we were met by the tour operator who gave us instructions on how to work the sled. Push the levers forward to release the brake. Going too fast? Just pull the levers towards you, and the brakes engage. So simple, even I could do it!
I lowered myself into a slick-looking bobsled, jet black with the Jamaican flag stripes down the side, and positioned my hand on the brake levers to my left and right. Could I really do this? Would I crash spectacularly like the Jamaican bobsledding team did so famously at the 1988 Olympics?
With no snow in Jamaica, our sled ran quite securely on a wooden track with metal rails. The steering I would have done on a cold course would be handled by the track. It was for me to determine how fast I wanted to go. Since the sleds go out at timed intervals, the chances of a collision are extremely slim. Still, as I sat anticipating the downhill run, adrenalin pumped through my body. The operator closed the canopy over my head and pushed me into position. I was next!
In a single motion he released the brake and I was off! It was a slow start as I used the handbrakes to keep my speed in check as I came to the first turn, but I let the sled gain momentum as I hit the decline. The exhilaration on the ride down made me laugh out loud – at least during the moments when I wasn’t outright screaming. Three minutes of pure speed. The quickest tour of a rainforest you could ever experience.
An adventurous participant accelerates down the mountain.
Reaching the bottom, I couldn’t help but feel the letdown. I was disappointed for it to be over, but I was thrilled to find another leg of the journey remained. The sled, in fact, returned to the top of the mountain hooked onto a device that resembled a roller coaster, and riders were able to stay on board for the uphill trip.
I rode along the tracks to the hook-up point, and then enjoyed eight more minutes of fun, climbing effortlessly up the mountain, through the rainforest. This was my chance to actually catch all the scenery I had missed on my way down. Ah, paradise!
Though I would’ve loved to take another run down the mountain in my mean machine, I was happy to settle for the Sky Explorer, which carried me gracefully back down the hill. I may not be James Bond, but I’d had an adventure to make an international spy envious – and with that final relaxing descent I could return to our ship ready for my next mission.
We loved our time in Ocho Rios several years ago. We took a private taxi to tour around the area & it was wonderful. Sure people are offering you things, we just ignored them. Would go back.
Some people can never be pleased no matter what. They need to accept other cultures & enjoy it plus be thankful they are able to travel. Not complain over the small stuff.
Never never never go here.
We tried to do our own think in ochos rios and as we went 50 yards past the port entrance we were approached by a drug dealer who tried to sell us drugs. They even tried to sell them to our 12 year old son and when we said no they tried to seperate the 3 of us and gave us hassle
We cruised in January 2010 and thoroughly enjoyed our stop in Ocho Rios and went on the Dunn’s River Falls trip which was very good. Did not have any problem with being hassled as a smile and no thank you worked every time. Some people should remember that we are lucky to be able to afford to travel on cruises and we appear to be rich to others less fortunate, even though we may have worked all year in order to go on the cruise! Cruising is a wonderful way to travel and so very easy.
Hi. Just read your comment and couldn’t agree with you more. We are very fortunate to be able to afford such luxury holidays but we also need to be mindful that there are less unfortunate peope out there as well therefore we should really count our lucky stars. My philosophy in life is ‘work hard play hard’. My family and I went on our first caribbean cruise in April 2011 with NCL EPIC and since then I am hooked. Would love to hear any other cruise recommendations that you may have
Jamaica is no more dangerous than any other island. Yes, some of the vendors could be a lot less aggressive but please do not let this discourage you from experiencing the great people and culture. If you are fortunate enough to make friends with a “Jamaican”, you’ll have a “true friend” for life!
Jamaica is a marketing illusion. I know more people who have been mugged in Jamaica than NY City (and I lived in NY for years). Sure “Come to Jamaica and it will be alright”. If you stay behind the gated tourist resorts you stand a chance. But Jamaica is a very dangerous place. I was held up a knife point (Rusty nasty looking knife at that) walking down the main road at midday in Montego Bay. 200 yards away was a uniformed police officer who I advised of my robbery. He asked if I was stabbed and with that continued on ignoring the world.
There are plenty of more attractive places in the Caribbean with friendlier people. I have visited most islands since Jamaica and I would not revisit Jamaica if you gave me a free trip.
To quote USA TODAY – “Thousands of Americans travel to Jamaica every year without incident, but others return home battered or robbed–or they don’t return home at all”.
Dont believe all the tourism hype and do some research before reading the glossy brochure.
Matt, honestly, things happen everywhere in the world and for you to discourage others from visiting such an amazing island is not cool. I am sorry you got held up. I have been visiting jamaica ANNUALLY and then some for the past 20 years without incident. Jamaicans are kind and generous. Don;t make a few jerks create such a strong stereo type. Stuff just Happens, and it could happen anywhere. If you never want to go back that is your option, but STOP placing blame on a counrty, but just rather on the culprits.
I have climbed the Dunns River Falls twice, and would love to climb it one more time. However, at 76 years old, I doubt it.
I learn never to judge a book by the cover. You visit Jamaica & if you don’t like ,you don’t go back . Every country you go to has good & bad, so stop complaing & enjoy your cruise. This Dec. will be my 2′D Princes Cruise & I’m looking forward for it . I thank the Lord every day he give me life & be happy. To the complainers.
6/24/11
We had too much fun, we toke the Bobsleigh 4 time !!
and we always take trips offered by princess, very satisfaits !
i find that if you take trips offered by princess you can not go wrong .they are very carefull for the saftey of thier passengers,it does not matter where you go you can find rude people everwhere,as long as you say no thank you you wont get hassled they are only trying to support them selfs .we have been on 18 cruise ,and we will never stoptaking them .we are on the princess star on the 24th ,counting down the days .remember just enjoy your the cruise
Having got a few hours off work on board the Coral Princess I went ashore to Ocho Rios today, the first time I’ve been in Ocho in over 2 years, and find it has changed a little, besides losing its Hard Rock Cafe. It seems to have been “cleaned up” somewhat. I only got offered drugs once all day! The Mystic Mountain development is just 2 years old and is a well organised, interesting and fun attraction. The chairlift and views are great and the infinity pool lovely; however the Bobsled, despite its quirkiness isn’t too amazing and an $20 extra too….It’s also not the best place for good Jamaican food but is okay!
Love it or hate it, we have found that taking a guided tour gives you the best bang for your buck, history, and you see more of the country you are visiting. Didn’t do the Bob sled, but another tour, but enjoyed the adventure, driving on the left side of the road is different, with the Goats & Horses along side, munching away. With 20% unemployment, you can understand why every one is trying to sell something. We also found out about the education, until a few years ago, unless you had money and could pay, you didn’t go to school, they are now playing make up, all students now attend school from 6am, until 12:00 noon, the second session starts at 1:00pm until 6:00pm, I think this will change the panhandling alot. The biggest kick was seeing a sign that read, massive container auto parts just arrived on cargo ship. We learned alot about the culture. Being on a tour, you are picked up at the ship, then delivered back to the ship safely, and we got to see more than just the dock.
I agree whole heartedly with all the comments made about the aggressive tactics used by the venders. I have been to Ocho Rios twice and each time I was thoroughly disgusted with their rudeness. I understand that they have a limited time to sell their products i.e. the tourist season, but that does not justify their bad manners.
Seriously everyone. Every Port on earth has people trying to sell you something…Every Port. These people have little hope for any kind of life. Follow these simple rules:
1: Say no politely and ignore them 2: Always go with someone, no matter if you are in Mexico, Jamaica, Israel or Tahiti. There is always safety in numbers. 3: If you have an issue and are on a cruise, report it to security at once. They take it very seriously, and no country wants to have issues with passengers, because if it is excessive, they will take it off their itinerary. Not good for the country and not good for passengers. Lets just use our heads. I have been to Jamaica several times and have no issues. Have you been on a cruise lately?
Our cruise on Island Princess just ended January 29, 2011. Our chariot ride over the canopy up Mystic Mountain was a welcomed cool down after the hot trip to Dunns Falls for I did not climb up the falls with my travel companions. The panoramic vista up the mountain was enchanting and the bobsled ride exhilarating. Our return home to freezing cold and another snow storm is a startling contrast to the hot sunny days on tour.
Jamaica is one of my favorite ports to visit. We did the chairlift up Mystic Mountain, rode the Bobsled(twice) and ziplined. It was so all so much fun. We had lunch at the Restaurant on top of Mystic Mountain – the view was fantastic, the food was good and the people were so nice. I want to go back and take my grandsons as they would love it!
We did the Dunn River falls Tour,Mystic Mountain and the Bobsled and we enjoyed every bit of it.The chair lift is amazing if you do like observing nature. We also think that the excursion booked with the ship is good value for money. Great atmosphere in Jamaica I bought what I wanted and never felt arrased,invited to take a look yes all the time, but is that different from any other touristic environment? I just remember a very good time,and hope to go back one day.
I have just read all the comments and I would like to add something. On my first cruise I was warned by another passenger not to leave the ship at Ocho Rios. He told me that someone was shot and someone beaten up and hospitalised. However, my husband and I went ashore. A policeman was very helpful and showed us the way to the shopping mall.Afer shopping we went o the beach. We paid $1 to enter. there were changing rooms and toilets and trees to sit under. A local family sat with us. They were so nice with sweet children and when we were going back to the ship the lady gave me plastic bag for my wet swimsuit. Jamaican people are lovely, I also have some freinds here in the UK who come from Jamaica. Lorna
Hi Lorna,
The experienced traveller will know that the Jamaicians are passionate people. The Street traders are just trying to make a buck or two and a polite “No Thank you” goes a long way. Like every country, they too have their unsavory people and the best thing to do is just be aware of your surroundings and don’t attract attention to yourself. I have travelled to Jamaica many times, it was a shock at first, but you get used to their culture and way of life and you eventualy learn that they are harmless loving people just trying to make a few $$. Have fun with them and just be yourself and you’ll fit right in!!
That sure sounds like a fun trip. I visited Ocho Rios on my first ever cruise, about 6 years ago. Maybe the bobsleight trip was not running then, or I just didn’t know about it. Anyway I know now, so maybe next time.
I’m part Jamaican (PuertoRican, Jamaican-Chinese; to be exact!) & have family in Ocho Rios. I just read a comment of someone saying Ocho Rios is not safe & it’ll be best to just stay on the ship!?! The Jamaican tourist board has gone through great lengths to ‘re-educate’ the locals with ‘american cultures’. There are ‘tourist patrol personnel’ everywhere & are there to assist in keeping order especially in the ‘tourist areas’. As far as being safe, there’s also ‘common sense’ to remember. No matter where you go, you must excerise good common-sense when venturing in areas you are unaware of. Don’t bring open sling bags & flash your $ everywhere you go. Going with a tour (preferably one arranged with the cruisline) is always the best way to go. However, just be aware of your surroundings. Everything will be IRIE!
Ocho Rios is great if you book a private tour guide via the internet. Our guide picked us up at the ship and we were with him all day. Our belongings were safely locked in his air-conditioned minivan. He had purchased tickets in advance for Dunn’s River Falls and the float trip. I can’t say enough about this, it turned out to be one of the best stops. A word of caution about Dunn’s River Falls… I’m 67 years old and the climb up was difficult. We almost bailed out a couple of times but did finish the climb.
We were in Jamaica last October on Princess and enjoyed our visit. We booked Dunn’s Falls and the chair lift at Mystic Mountain through Princess. When we arrived at the top of the mountain we decided to do the bobsled and easily bought our tickets there. There was no long wait as some of the people who booked it through the ship later complained about. My only displeasure with Jamaica was the constant asking for tips. At Dunn’s Falls when my husband and I used the restroom facilities there was a young girl standing outside collecting tips. I handed her a tip for both of us but she followed us down the walkway asking my husband for a tip also!
Why did you give a tip to go to the restroom? This would really get on my nerves.
It was not a tip, It was a kid asking for money for there family. The parents send the kids because people feel more towards the kids.
We are doing a Princess cruise in February 2011 and looking forward to going to Ocho Rios heard there’s lots of good excursions and places of interest. We were in Montego Bay in Feb this year and the Jamaicans were lovely very helpfull so i’m looking forward to this trip.
JACMICA IS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO VISIT. I TOO, THOUGHT THE PEOPLE WERE VERY FRIENDLY. THE LADIES WHO STAND AT THE RESTROOMS COLLECTING TIPS ARE HELPFUL, AND MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A CLEAN TOWEL IN MOST CASES. I DID NOT MIND TIPING THESE PEOPLE. IT NEVER HURTS TO SHARE A LITTLE WEALTH.
We went on the Catamaran sail and snorkel in ocho Rios, the Jamaica Crew were Fantastic, I would recommend it. After we went shopping in the marketplace, very friendly people. Just say no to the vendors and keeping walking by.
Ocho Rios is not a safe stop. DO NOT go into the downtown area. Drug dealers and purse snatchers are everywhere.Local police do nothing. Dunns River Falls is fun, but very physically exerting. If a native bystander asks if you want to have your picture taken, you will not get your camera back until you tip the person. Some shipmates were even robbed on the train tour of the sugar cane plantation. Do not go on a tour in Ocho Rios unless you go on a tour sponsored by the ship. It is a great day to stay on the ship and take advantage of Spa specials.
Can anyone tell me what the trip to Mystique Mtn. cost through Princess as we are going in March 2011. Sounds like fun and I am also interested in the ZIp Line adventure.
Any info. would be helpful.
Thanks…
The mystic mountain chair lift only was 39 dollars and dunns river falls & mystic mountain chair lift was 59 dollars and mystic mountain chair lift & bobsleigh and dunns rivers falls was 79 dollars and the canopy zipline experience was 79 dollars when we went in last month. If you log on to Princess.com and enter your booking number you should be able to view all the trips and their prices and if you wish reserve them on line. The trips can be changed or cancelled right up until a couple of days before the day. I hope this helps, we took advantage of the princess trips every day on our cruise and all though it wasn’t cheap it was worth the money as you knew you would be safe and get exactly what you paid for. The staff were a delight and really made the trips enjoyable
Hi Ralph,
You are able to find pricing and shore excursion details on the Cruise Personalizer.
Myself and my husband took a fantastic cruisetour with princess this year in June and we have enjoyed the entire trip with lots of fun,sightseeing and activities. Princess Cruise really knows how to spoil their guests. We are requesting everyone to use the princess cruise line
to enjoy their time and money spent. It is worth it.
it seems like they are ytying to sell you something all the time onboard even charging for a cup of coffee after diner and the entertainment was woefull a nice cruise spoiled, I will not be comming back
We visited the Dunns river falls and the bobsleigh. It was really good.Unfortunately we were not picked up as arranged by the communal taxi that dropped us off at mystic mountain. We had to get a lift back to the port,but feeling deceived, we waited for the lady in charge of the taxi(cadaienne)and after argueing received some of our money back. Do not pay for the taxi upfront.It was cheaper to do the official trip with the cruise.
P.S. good luck to Norma and Ray from Newcastle have a nice christmas. mark and anne.
The slide into the pool was a wonderful experience and the chair lift ride was a wonderful trip up to one of the best views on our Panama Cruise. It was a very neat and clean resteraunt and bar with great service. Highly recommended. It was also a very quick trip from the ship to the lift and a relative bargain.
enjoy it.
How long has this attraction been in place? Are there any age restrictions? We will be traveling on princess soon and are always looking for new adventures to seek out.
It sounds great. We’ve just had to cancel our Xmas cruise on Sea Princess cos my OH needs heart surgery. I definitely fancy doing the bob sleigh next year though . Incidentally what is the Princess bucket list please?
Adrienne, a bucket list is a list of things you want to do before you die (kick the bucket, which is a colloquial expression for die in many English speaking countires. Have fun. Lorna
As a Jamaican,I’ve enjoyed Mystic Mountain, it was exciting, adventurous and filled with historic information about Jamaican history, our sports heroes and heroine, and a breathe taking view of Ocho Rios that can be define as “Divine”, For all our reader who will be travelling to Jamaica, please take the time to learn about our culture, people and lifestyle before you make any judgement about us, we are simple the best if you take the time out to know us, and 6 – 8 hours is just a drop in the bucket , but we love you and want you to experience us more.. Princess cruise is simple the “BEST” and we welcome you to our shores with a heart of sincere GRATITUDE.. ONE LOVE .
We did this one too – great fun, even though it started pouring rain in buckets when we were on the chairlift going up – just made the bobsled track faster – in fact, we had to wait for a while before they would let us get on.
Another good excursion in Ocho Rios is the White River float trip – also offered by the ship – the guys are great and the float is very relaxing with a few rapids to spice things up.
stopped in Ocho Rios once on Princess and the tram and bobsled weren’t there then. I guess have to take another trip that includes this stop. Glad Princess started the Bucket List!!
Thank you to everyone for your kind words. I’m glad this has helped in your decision on what to do in Jamaica. It is so much fun, and if you are feeling even more adventurous, include the Zip Line at Mystique Mountain!!! (Awesome)
You can do two great adventures in one day. Make sure you book with the shore excursion team on your Princess Ship, and you will have an absolute blast Ocho Rios.
Hi.
We did the same run on the Emerald in May 2010 and ye the bobsleigh was amazing only the heavens opened as we were waiting for the thrill and it turned into a MONSOON!!! as we got on.Guess what! WE were drenched but you know what ,it really didnt matter it was fab and a welcome drink greeted us in one of the gift stores.I even ended up doing a bit of a dance with one of the assistants (Boogie on).Great cruise by the way.
I haven’t been on this tour but I can tell you that after 10 trips to Jamacia and 3 tours to Dunns River, the Jamacian people are wonderful. You must understand that Jamacians receive no unemployment checks. If they don’t sell anything, they have no money. People be honest with them. Just say no thank you, I don’t want it, or I don’t like it. They usually appreciate your honestly and walk away.
Do the Sled and Mystic mountain by all means as it IS fun , but, don’t walk, get an official taxi otherwise you WILL be harrassed if on foot and in is unpleasant at best,dangerous in some cases. In my opinion princess should strike this port from their itineraries or at least warn people what to expect should they venture outside the safe and secure gated area.immediately off the pier.
Hi Bruce,
We are happy to hear that you enjoyed the Sled and Mystic Mountain!
In any port that we visit safety is our number one concern, and we do urge passengers to be aware of their surroundings and practice caution due to being in an unfamiliar place.
I am for sure doing this one next time. Sounds awesome…especially the leisurely trip back.
Laura, you will have a great time. The ride back is great, take your Camera!!
Although looking forward to visiting Jamaica whilst on the Caribbean Princess I too felt like Robert did in Ochos Rios. We left the ship on foot towards Dunns River Falls as according to the internet it was within easy walking distance. We had only gone 100 metres from the security gate when we realised we had both forgotten our money and returned to the ship – however we had been harrassed continuously by ‘taxi drivers’ and offered numerous types of drugs in our short time outside to the point that we were glad to be back inside the confines of the port security. We did visit Jamaica using a local tour guide but everywhere we went the people were very scary. I found myself constantly looking at the floor to avoid eye contact with them as once they thought you were interested in something they had they would not give up hassling until you bought from them. I didnt feel safe in Jamaica.
i am happy to find it thanks for sharing it here. Nice work.
My husband and I did this excursion when we went to the Panama Canal on the Island Princess in Nov. 2009. It was the best. The ride up on the chair lift was beautiful and very peaceful. And the Bobsled was so much fun. Without any question we would do it again.
AMAZING THING IS THAT I DID IT ALL IN MY SEPTEMBER TRIP TO JAMAICA AND HAVE THE PHOTOS TO SUPPORT THE EVENTS
Already booked this trip for our cruise on Sea Princess in March! I cant wait it sounded good in the brouchure but reading this and seeing the photographs it looks better than I thought.
Have only been to Jamaica once and that was enough. VERY agressive people very close to the ship offerring all kinds of illegal wares turned me off. I felt much better when I returned to the safety of the ship. Surely there are better places for Princess too stop
Hi Ross,
Our main concern is always the safety of our passengers and crew. Our shoreside Security Department continually monitors travel warnings with relevant authorities including the U.S. Department of State. However as you mentioned we do welcome passengers to stay onboard in any or all ports if this is their preference.
We were in Ocho Rios two weeks ago on Coral Princess. Yes, the locals were at Coyaba Gardens and Dunn’s Falls trying to sell their wares & it was a little disconcerting. Our disappointment was that our tour information said nothing about the beach at Dunn’s Falls & being able to swim. Had we known,we would have worn our suits and done so since we did not want to climb the falls. One shopkeeper in the Island Village section was very helpful. I needed postage stamps, she sold me some, then I asked her if she would mail the cards I had just stamped. She very nicely said yes, and did, as my family has since received them here in the states. We have sailed with Princess four times and will do so again.
Hi Joyce,
We are very sorry you were not more informed of the ability to swim at the Dunn’s Falls. We will forward your comments to the appropriate department who handles the written descriptions of our tours. We look forward to welcoming you onboard again!
We weren’t 75 feet past the gate when we turned back to the ship. Well beyond “persistent”, the harassment and threats from the locals trying to sell their wares in Jamaica is horrible. This port and country should be avoided.
Hi Robert,
The safety of our passengers and crew is a priority ours and we do closely monitor travel warnings and our shoreside Security Department works with the U.S. and local government officials in the event of any concerns. We are very sorry if you did not have a good time in this port, but do hope to welcome you onboard again soon!
Maybe you should read a little about the ports you are stopping and if you don’t like it try some other destination for your cruise,or stop on board,but it is not fare to ask for the port and Country to be avoided because your opinion thanks God is minority.
I never knew there was bobsledding in Jamaica. As soon as I told my husband about your tour, he was like, when are we headed to the Caribbean again? We will definitely be signing up for this tour when we get back to the Caribbean. Thank you.
ever see “Cool Runnings”??
I am the lucky one who also had the great pleasure in experiencing both the chair lift as well as the Bobsledding during our visit to Jamaica in September 2010
I can’t wait to do this one day and cross it off my bucket list!!! So fun!
Hi There,
Have only been to Jamica once with Princess I had booked to do the Bob, however my DW
changed this to a romantic river raft, nothing more I can add.
yours Shogun
We were in Ocho Rios last year as part of a Panama Canal cruise on the Island Princess. The day we were in Jamaica was my husband’s 50th birthday and this is what he wanted to do, along with Dunn’s River Falls. The bobsled was fun, but at Dunn’s River, the people operating the tour kept reminding the group “don’t forget to tip your guide.” And you have to go through all the gift stands on the way to the exit. They are very persistent, almost agressive. Our stop in Jamaica was our least favorite port of call. But we love Princess.
My 50th is next year and our So Caribbean cruise is already booked and I can’t wait.
Your bobsledding blog has hit the right spot with me! We have stormy, extremely wet weather here in the UK at the moment, however reading your post took me straight to Jamaica – I know where I want to go now on my next cruise.